Amanda J Simmons Glass Design

Glass Making Courses and Classes in the UK

Whether you are interested in becoming a professional glass blower or simply have an interest in pursuing glass making as a hobby, there are many classes and courses held in the discipline all over the UK in workshops, colleges and studios. Glass blowing is the art of using a blow pipe to create an air bubble inside molten glass which can then form the shape of a vessel. Various topics are covered during these classes that will help the students to learn how to handle molten glass and how to sculpt it into the shape of their choosing.

Taster Glass Blowing Courses

For those who have never tried glass blowing before and who want to get an insight into what it involves before committing to a longer course of study, a taster course is a great idea. Held for just a few hours over a single day, a taster session gives complete novices an overview of the basics of the art form. A taster session will often last for around three hours and will generally include a safety briefing and an introduction to the essential tools, equipment and ways of working with hot glass. These sessions are usually held in a small groups and are led by an experienced professional who will give the students hands on experience of gathering glass from the furnace, shaping and forming it with traditional techniques and tools, and of adding colour to the glass to create different effects. Students will usually get to make a piece of their own during the workshop which they can then take home with them.

Beginner Glass Making Classes

Designed to meet the needs of beginners who either have no prior experience or who have attended a taster session and want to learn more, a beginners course will take students through the rudiments of basic glass handling as well as instructing them in more complex ways of blowing and shaping glass, often over the course of a full day. Beginners courses explore how colour can be used and may cover elements such as creating and designing paperweights as well as introducing further skills such as blowing bigger amounts of glass in order to create a vessel. Sometimes, beginners courses will take place over an entire weekend and students will have greater opportunities for exploring their newly learned skills, and may get to take home several pieces that they have made.

Courses for Advanced Glass Workers

Students who have already completed a beginners course in glass blowing may find that they have an interest in developing their techniques and skills further and learning more about different ways that they can use glass in their work. All over the UK there are advanced glass blowing courses designed to widen the experience of advanced glass workers, introducing elements such as kiln firing, the Drop Out technique, sand casting, free-form sculpture, box casting and lamp-working. For those who want to obtain a qualification in glass blowing, there are a number of relevant certificates for which students can study. These include the Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ diplomas in Glass Processing. Anyone who would like to take their study of glass working to the highest level can even work towards a degree in the subject. The National Glass Centre in Sunderland offers a BA (Hons) in Glass and Ceramics that is accredited by the University of Sunderland.

Important Considerations When Booking a Glass Blowing Course

The majority of glass blowing courses in the UK are only offered to students over the age of eighteen years due to the health and safety considerations of working with hot materials. As glass making is hot, physical work, it is important for any students attending the course to have a good level of mobility and fitness. Students should wear sensible shoes and clothing that is robust and fit for purpose. Cotton clothes such as t shirts and jeans are a good choice, but no loose fitting clothing or items made from synthetic materials should be worn for safety reasons. Students who have long hair should make sure that they tie it back. Safety glasses must be worn while working with the molten glass, however these are usually provided by the workshop or studio.